Less stigma and misunderstanding
Build a clearer understanding of self-harm and challenge some of the assumptions that can lead to blame, shame, dismissal or avoidance.
Overview
About this course
Self-harm can be difficult to understand from the outside. It is often linked with overwhelming emotions or distress and may be used by someone as a way of coping, expressing what they are experiencing or managing feelings that seem hard to put into words.
The way people respond matters. Self-harm is sometimes dismissed as attention-seeking, manipulative, a sign of weakness or something a person should simply stop doing. Those assumptions can add shame and stigma, make conversations harder and create another barrier to asking for support.
This three-hour module looks at self-harm in a practical mental health context. Participants explore some of the reasons people may self-harm, possible signs that someone is struggling, ways to approach conversations without judgement, and appropriate first-line support. The session also considers safety, personal boundaries, professional help and the role of recovery and wider support.
Is this course right for your group?
Designed for
Workplaces, professional teams, educators, healthcare professionals, community organisations, volunteers and other groups that want people to feel better informed and less uncertain when self-harm becomes part of a mental health conversation.
Particularly useful if
- People feel unsure about why someone may self-harm or what the behaviour can represent.
- Self-harm is being dismissed as attention-seeking, manipulative or simply a matter of choice.
- Your group would benefit from recognising possible signs that someone may be struggling without making assumptions.
- People want more confidence starting a sensitive conversation and listening without judgement.
- You want people to understand their role, keep safety in mind and recognise when professional or urgent support may be needed.
